Popular Posts

Tuesday, March 08, 2011

NOAA Fisheries Testifies before US Senate

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, Eric Schwaab testified before the US Senate Commerce Committee on March 8, 2011 stating, “We know that nearly $31 billion in sales and as many as 500,000 jobs are lost because our fisheries are not performing as well as they would if all stocks were rebuilt,” Schwaab said. “While we are turning a corner toward a brighter future for fishermen and fishing communities, many fishermen are struggling in part as a result of years of decline in fishing opportunity.”

According to Scwaab, NOAA is committed to working with fishermen and communities during this period of transition. Recent estimates place the value of U.S. commercial and saltwater recreational fisheries at almost two million jobs and more than $160 billion in sales.

“We have turned a corner in our management of fisheries in this country, and the sacrifices made and being made by so many who rely on this industry are showing great promise,” Schwaab said. “As we end overfishing and rebuild stocks, we will increase the economic output of our fisheries, improve the economic conditions for our fishermen, and create better, more stable and sustainable jobs and opportunities in our coastal communities.”

These comments by Eric Schwaab, were made before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries and the Coast Guard during a hearing on the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson Act).